Inter Miami secured a 3–2 victory over Colorado Rapids on Saturday, with Lionel Messi scoring twice, including a decisive late goal. The match also marked the debut of sporting director Guillermo Hoyos as interim head coach following the unexpected resignation of Javier Mascherano, which led to his immediate appointment in charge of the team’s dugout.
The result extended Miami’s unbeaten run to seven matches. After beginning the Major League Soccer season with a defeat against Los Angeles FC, the side has now accumulated 15 points from eight matches, placing them second in the league standings.
Messi opened the scoring in the 13th minute from the penalty spot after Yannick Bright was fouled by Josh Atencio inside the box. The Argentine forward converted confidently to give Miami an early advantage. In first-half stoppage time, Miami doubled their lead when Mateo Silvetti delivered a cross that was headed in by Tadeo Allende.
Colorado Rapids responded in the second half. Rafael Navarro reduced the deficit in the 58th minute, registering his sixth goal of the season. Shortly afterwards, Darren Yapi, introduced as a substitute, equalised in the 62nd minute following a counter-attacking move.
The decisive moment came in the 79th minute. Messi regained possession in midfield and drove forward on the right-hand side before entering the penalty area. He then cut inside between two defenders and struck a low shot into the far corner, completing his brace and restoring Miami’s lead.
Miami were reduced to ten men in the 87th minute when Yannick Bright was shown a red card, forcing the team to see out the closing stages with a numerical disadvantage. Despite late pressure, Colorado Rapids were unable to equalise, having now suffered defeat after two consecutive victories.
Messi’s performance took his season tally to seven goals, placing him joint-top of the Major League Soccer scoring charts alongside Sam Surridge and Peter Musa.
Match Summary
| Minute | Event | Player/Team |
|---|---|---|
| 13′ | Penalty goal | Lionel Messi (Inter Miami) |
| 45+’ | Header goal | Tadeo Allende (Inter Miami) |
| 58′ | Goal | Rafael Navarro (Colorado Rapids) |
| 62′ | Equaliser | Darren Yapi (Colorado Rapids) |
| 79′ | Winning goal | Lionel Messi (Inter Miami) |
| 87′ | Red card | Yannick Bright (Inter Miami) |
The match highlighted both Messi’s continued influence and Miami’s resilience under interim management, as they maintained their strong position in the league despite late disciplinary setbacks.